Justin Vernon, the force behind Bon Iver, had an unexpected impact with his first album, For Emma, Forever Ago, which he wrote in a cabin in the woods.

Since his 2008 debut, Vernon, who comes from Eau Claire, Wis., has been making music with GAYNGS, Volcano Choir and Kanye West, guesting on 2010's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

Vernon joined Jian Ghomeshi, host of CBC's Q cultural affairs show, to discuss the collaborations behind his second album, titled Bon Iver.